Watch The Death and Resurrection Show

The Death and Resurrection Show is a captivating documentary film released in 2013, which provides a behind-the-scenes look at the British post-punk band Killing Joke - the band that played a significant role in shaping the alternative rock scene of the late 70s and early 80s. The film is directed by Shaun Pettigrew and produced by Fogo Films, and it features exclusive interviews and footage from the band members documenting their journey from the early days to the present.

The documentary opens with the band members recounting their early days and their formation in the late 70s. Killing Joke emerged at a time when punk rock was taking over Britain, and they were coming from a completely different background. The band created a unique sound by blending elements of punk, industrial, and tribal rhythms, which became the hallmark of their music. The film explores how the band's music has been influenced by different cultural and historical events, such as the Cold War, the Falklands War, and the social and political unrest in Britain of the time.

The documentary also highlights the band's turbulent journey, including their brief split in the early 90s and their reunion in 2002. The band's frontman, Jaz Coleman, shares his thoughts on the band's resurgence and the challenges they faced, such as the death of guitarist Paul Raven. He also talks about his personal struggles, including his brief disappearance in the late 90s, which added to the mystery surrounding the band.

One of the highlights of The Death and Resurrection Show is its exclusive backstage footage from the band's tours and live performances. The film captures the intense energy of Killing Joke's music and the loyalty of their fans, who are often seen chanting and singing along with the band. The documentary also features interviews with other musicians who have been influenced by Killing Joke's music, such as Jimmy Page, Dave Grohl, and Metallica's Lars Ulrich.

The film also delves into the band's recording process and their accursed studio sessions, which often resulted in the destruction of furniture and equipment. The band members recount how they recorded their music in unconventional ways, using found objects and unusual techniques to create their signature sound. The documentary also shows footage of the band recording their latest album, 2012's 'MMXII', and the challenges they faced in the studio.

The Death and Resurrection Show is not only a film about a band, but it's also about the music industry as a whole. The documentary explores the changes in the music industry over the years and how Killing Joke has adapted to them. The band members talk about their experiences with various record labels and their constant battle to maintain control over their music. The film also highlights the impact of technological advancements, such as downloading and streaming services, on the music industry and the challenges it poses to established bands like Killing Joke.

Overall, The Death and Resurrection Show is an excellent documentary that provides a fascinating insight into one of Britain's most iconic bands. The film combines exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and live performances to create a comprehensive portrayal of Killing Joke's journey. It's a must-watch for both fans of the band and anyone interested in the history of alternative rock music.

The Death and Resurrection Show is a 2020 documentary with a runtime of 2 hours and 36 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0.